Music Scholarships That Open Doors
Financial aid for private lessons, instruments, and development-focused music education.
- Apply anytime
- Only 10-15 minutes to complete
- Decision in 15–20 business days
Why This Fund Exists
Talent should never get stuck behind cost, transportation, or access.
What the
Scholarship Can Include
The Hester Savage Fund for Equity in Classical Music exists to help students access consistent, high-quality music education, wherever they study. Scholarship support is designed to remove the most common barriers families face when pursuing music training. Depending on need and availability, awards may help cover:
- Private lessons with an experienced teacher.
- Group classes and ensemble opportunities when available.
- Instruments or instrument rental support.
- Workshops and masterclasses that build musicianship.
- Digital learning tools to support practice at home.
- Mentorship and other wraparound support.
- Transportation support when it is a barrier to attendance.
Who Can Apply for
This Scholarship
This scholarship is designed for students who have talent, interest, and commitment, and who face barriers to accessing high-quality training. General eligibility includes:
- Ages 6–17.
- Demonstrated financial need.
- From an underserved community or a student aligned with advancing diversity and inclusion in classical music.
- Musical aptitude and a willingness to learn.
- Ability to attend at least 90% of scheduled lessons/classes.
- Maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA in school.
We review each application as a whole. A student’s story matters, not just one data point.
How the Application Process Works
What You May Need to Apply
To help us make fair decisions, you may be asked for some of the following:
- Proof of income (recent tax return or pay stubs)
- Number of dependents
- Most recent report card
- Short statement of financial need (if applicable)
- A simple performance video (a phone video is fine)
- A brief letter
- For students under 13: a parent/guardian letter
- For students 13+: a student letter about their interest in music
If you’re missing something, feel free to apply anyway.
We’ll follow up if we need more details.
What Happens if Your Child is Awarded Support
If your child receives a scholarship, support may be applied toward their approved program costs. Your family will also receive clear next steps on:
- Scheduling lessons
- Instrument support if needed
- Expectations for attendance and progress
- How to stay in touch if your situation changes
Apply for a Scholarship
Fill out a short online form to tell us about your child, your situation, and the support you’re seeking.
Need help with the application?
Contact Erin Panichkul at erin@hestersavagefund.org
About Hester Savage Fund for Equity in Classical Music
The Hester Savage Fund for Equity in Classical Music is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Scholarship awards depend on need, program availability, and review outcomes.
Information shared in the application is used only for scholarship review and support.
FAQs
Does my child need to already play an instrument?
No. Students may apply whether they are beginners or already studying music. We support students at different stages, as long as there is genuine interest and commitment to learning.
Can my child choose which instrument they study?
Yes. Students may apply for the instrument they are most interested in, including piano, strings, voice, winds, and more. If awarded, we’ll work with your family to match your child’s interests with appropriate learning opportunities.
What types of music education does the scholarship support?
Scholarship support may help cover private lessons, group classes, instruments or rentals, workshops, and other learning resources. The goal is consistent, high-quality music education that fits the student’s needs.